This issue delves into the deep, dark depths of the soil world, which is the foundation for much of life on Earth…

It explores the beauty and function of soil, the fascinating creatures that call it home, the threats to its health, and ways to manage it sustainably for future generations of flora and fauna (including humans).

We went to a meeting last week where Ted Green was one of the number. As well as his usual; don't tread on the soil, he has recently revived his interest in compost and nutrients for woodland soils. Apart from saying they do it better in Poland, where he recently visited, he didn't actually say exactly what we are doing wrong, other than we need to leave more dead wood.

It has been shown by experiment that coppice hazel doesn't require the nutrients from decaying vegetation. The FC did this some years ago and it made no difference whether the hazel was fertilised within an inch of its life or everything was taken away that could compost. Different trees need different conditions it would appear.